Senior Forensic Practitioner - London/Nottingham

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HMRC’s Digital Forensics Group (DFG) plays an integral role in Her Majesty’s Government’s fight against serious and organised crime, supporting investigations totaling hundreds of millions of pounds each year. Our forensic practitioners are a key part of the UK Law Enforcement community, working on a variety of cases, from corporate criminality to tobacco smuggling. DFG is a well-established, national resource with a strong delivery record and a reputation for robust results. Our services are in high demand, as we embrace the challenges posed by the pace of technology development and advances in data exploitation. As such, we are looking for talented individuals with a passion for computer science to join our rapidly expanding team. DFG’s innovation and professionalism is recognised by international partners and we are frequently asked to speak at key events. R&D is essential to our mission – from deploying new approaches to RAM analysis to building bespoke tools – and we will be investing heavily over the coming months and years. There is scope for contributing to related initiatives, from helping HMRC develop its eDiscovery capability to working with DFG’s dedicated infrastructure team as it prepares to launch a number of new services. DFG also works closely with HMRC’s Cybercrime team who investigate attacks on HMRC’s digital channels with a view to protecting online services that are used by millions of people. This is an exciting opportunity to hone your skills in the field of digital forensics, including working on mobile devices and vehicles. DFG offers an extensive training programme with potential for industry certifications and technical career pathways from apprenticeships through to Grade 6.
Main purpose of role

The Senior Forensic Practitioner role in DFG is pivotal to the successful delivery of the team and offers varied and challenging work.

The primary responsibility of the Senior Forensic Practitioner is to provide technical assistance to HMRC’s investigation teams through the forensic examination of digital media devices that have been or are suspected of being used in the commission of crime. This will include verbal updates and written summaries, including preparing reports and presenting evidential material to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and the Court.

The difference between the Higher and the Senior roles is: the level of complexity of cases; the level of direction expected in terms of leading junior colleagues; and the expectation of managing on-site acquisition.

You will be expected to liaise with Senior Investigation Officers (SIOs) running operations and their senior management structures.

It is therefore essential that applicants have current experience of conducting digital forensic examinations – gained through at least 3-5 years in a commercial, legal or law enforcement environment.

Successful applicants must have an in-depth knowledge and understanding of criminal justice procedures including: the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA); the Police Act 1997; Criminal Procedures and Investigations Act (CPIA); and the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE); with emphasis on disclosure obligations and procedures surrounding Legal Professional Privilege (LPP) material.
Key responsibilities and requirements

a) Assist in the seizure and retention of digital devices within a laboratory environment and at scenes for subsequent forensic examination;
b) Manage forensic exhibits to ensure continuity, confidentiality and security is maintained at all times;
c) Understand, follow and actively promote Digital Forensic good practice methodologies (ISO17025 standard and NPCC National Police Chiefs Counsel Principles of Digital Evidence) to examine computers, mobile phones and other digital devices;
d) Prepare evidential reports upon completion of Digital Forensic examinations;
e) Provide fact and procedural-based evidence at Court as and when required;
f) Good communicator who can perform in a client/customer facing role;
g) Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment;
h) Ability to work effectively as part of a team and support the team’s goals above individual goals;
i) Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, managing multiple tasks through completion;
j) Ability to manage time and prioritise tasks effectively;
k) Be at the forefront of technical developments within Digital Forensics; and
l) To carry out any duties commensurate with the purpose of the post that may from time to time be determined.

Previous experience working in a Law Enforcement environment / legal environment would allow the successful candidate to demonstrate the following:

• Proficiency with one or more of the main digital forensic applications: AccessData FTK, Guidance Software EnCase, X-Ways Forensics or Nuix;
• Experience of giving evidence in court.
• Possess an ability to examine digital devices in a methodical and precise way and have an aptitude for problem solving;
• Have extensive knowledge of operating systems and have a solid understanding of digital devices;
• Ability to dismantle and/or safely handle digital devices for examination purposes, whilst maintaining accurate contemporaneous records. Identification, removal and safe handling of key digital device components;
• Experience and knowledge in performing Digital Forensic examinations; be able to demonstrate case experience within either the law enforcement or civil work environment;
• Be knowledgeable of the ISO 17025 standard and ACPO Principles of Digital Evidence;
• Have extensive working knowledge of relevant commercial and open-source software tools applicable to the role;
• Be able to regularly work with material that may be of an obscene, offensive or distressing nature. Treat such material in the appropriate manner ensuring it is secured and handled according to defined policies.
• Have attended and passed an accredited training course relevant to Digital Forensic examination of computer and/or mobile device based evidence.

Qualifications
Degree or degree-level qualification in digital forensics or a related field and/or 3-5 years practical experience in a digital forensic environment. Qualifications and certifications held may include (but are not limited to): GCFE; MSc; EnCE; ACE; CCE; A+; MCP.

Allowances
CIDAA/T Higher

The CIDAA/T is paid within a three-tiered structure that reflects the attendance requirement for the jobholder’s role. Additionally, there are separate rates for each of the tiers, to reflect the difference between the London and National pay areas. The CIDAA/T is paid monthly with salary.
The CIDAA/T is a category 2 attendance allowance.
Further details of the rates of allowance, pensionability and attendance required are set out in the full advert.